On Monday of this week, I taught a social studies lesson. Because I teach 5th grade, I teach American history...lucky for me, considering it's the history I'm most drawn to. Reading about Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson, the Bill of Rights, the First Continental Congress, the Boston Tea Party...it's hard not to feel a surge of respect and patriotism, a rooting of rebellion towards the original colonists. Despite everything--everything--, there is a lot of good here-- good people, good places, good intentions, good acts, good food, good life-- that makes it hard not to be proud to be an American.
On Monday of this week, I taught a social studies lesson. My students learned about the events leading up to July 4th, 1776-- the day the colonists officially declared independence from Great Britain. We ended the lesson reading about Paul Revere's ride ("The British are coming!" my students chanted) and the "shot heard 'round the world," which began the Battles of Lexington and Concord and, ultimately, the American Revolution.
"No one knows who fired that shot," I told my class. "We aren't sure whether it was a colonist or a British solider. What we do know is that it started a battle that led to a revolution that ultimately gave our country its independence."
* * * *
On Monday of this week, our country celebrated Patriot's Day, a day that commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The celebration itself is a little bit of a conundrum, because in some ways the recognition memorializes death and violence and war. But in others, the observance pays tribute to a necessary type of rebellion, a revolt that brought our country its voice and its freedom. And while I understand the roots of this country stem from violent rebellion, it's hard to explain that to a class of 10-and-11-year-olds. Young and full of mixed emotions due to muddled messages regarding weapons and gun laws in the wake of recent events, my class is full of children who believe war is bad and guns are bad and why do we celebrate a battle where lots of people died? Violence is a scary thing, especially in today's society, and it's an especially tricky thing to explain to children.
On Monday of this week, in a city as celebrated and as American as they come, an act of horrific violence swept the streets of Boston. The act killed three, physically injured hundreds, and sent millions across the country into an emotional upheaval of horror, sickness, and questioning faith. In the face of such an unsettling and indescribable tragedy, it's hard to find goodness and light and conviction. And yet, despite everything, Americans rallied across the country to stand together in a time where hundreds felt broken and lost. Athletes, having finished their own marathons mere minutes before, continued running to hospitals to donate their own blood. People donated rooms, rides, and couches to strangers. Restaurants donated food, water, and places of refuge.
On Monday of this week, I was reminded, yet again, of the disgustingly inhumane actions some people are capable of carrying out. My heart was heavy trying to even fathom the sadness, anger, and disbelief faced by thousands. But despite everything--everything--, I was reminded of something that transcended the revulsion and cowardice of the bombings. On Monday of this week, I was reminded, yet again, of the indelible power that is the human spirit. Americans--especially Bostonians-- are a gritty and hearty people whose capacities extend much deeper than terrorism. We are a people whose roots lie in standing up for each other, uniting in the face of unfairness, and banding together for a brighter future in spite of every atrocity or roadblock that might stand in the way.
On Monday of this week, I was reminded, yet again, that despite everything--everything--, I'm still so proud to call this country mine.
And it happened again tonight, watching the Boston Bruins resume their season with this opening national anthem:
“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives.
I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”
-Abraham Lincoln
No comments:
Post a Comment